Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife, Princess Charlene, have issued a statement after the death of his second cousin, Antoine de Massy, who has died at the age of 29. Antoine, the grandson of Princess Antoinette, the elder sister of Prince Rainier III, was reportedly found dead in a public garden in Monaco.
Death and police investigation
Antoine, the son of Albert's first cousin Christian de Massy, was reportedly found dead in a public garden in Monaco. Nice Matin reported that an individual is being held in custody in relation to the death.
The alarm was believed to have been first raised when the 29-year-old did not turn up to a family lunch on Sunday. Nice Matin reports that the family then alerted Monaco's Public Security Department.
The person in police custody was identified by CCTV near the scene. However, it is possible they are just a witness.
Royal statement and tribute
Speaking about the death, the royal Palace said in a statement on Monday: "Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène were saddened to learn of the death of Antoine de Massy, aged 29, the grandson of Princess Antoinette, the elder sister of Prince Rainier III. A keen tennis player, he was part of a family history closely linked to the sport in the Principality."
The statement continued: "Their Highnesses share in the grief of his family and loved ones and offer them their sincere condolences at this painful time."
Tennis career and family bond
Antoine was not only a member of the Royal Family but also a passionate tennis player. It is believed his interest in tennis began at the age of three.
When he was younger, he moved from Monaco to Miami to pursue the sport with his father. He told Vogue Italy in 2012: "It was a difficult choice, but it's my choice: my father made it very clear to me that I had to give it my all from the start, and that once I made my decision, there was no going back."
He also recalled that his dream was to become the "number one" player in the world. He aspired to represent Monaco at the Olympic Games. In the same interview, his close bond with his second cousin, Prince Albert, was clear, as he mentioned that Albert was his first and biggest fan.
Police are expected to give more updates as the investigation continues.
